Office of Intergovernmental Affairs

State, Local, and Tribal Leaders –

Thank you to the State, local, and Tribal leaders who joined for the White House COVID-19 National Briefing Call on Wednesday, July 8. Attendees heard comprehensive updates and insights on continuing support for State, local, and Tribal response, recovery, and reopening efforts from (Assistant to the President for Economic Policy), Secretary Robert Wilkie (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs), Ambassador (White House Coronavirus Task Force Coordinator), U.S. Surgeon General Gerome Adams, Deputy Surgeon General Erica Schwartz, and Assistant Secretary Frank Brogan (U.S. Department of Education). Below, please find pertinent announcements from across the Federal family and a brief recap of yesterday's call, including information and guidance from the White House Summit on Reopening America’s Schools. We would also like to flag CDC’s online testing resource page where you can find up-to-date testing information.

Recent Announcements

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Extended Through August: On July 4, President Trump signed legislation (S. 4116) reauthorizing the Paycheck Protection Program through August 8, 2020. Enacted in March as part of the CARES Act, the $669 billion program has approved more than 4.8 million loans totaling more than $520 billion and supporting over 51 million jobs to date. The extension of the program through August will make available the remaining $134 billion to small businesses and qualifying entities. Learn more about the PPP here.

Department of the Treasury’s OIG released reporting requirements for CRF recipients: On July 2, Department of the Treasury’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a memorandum with instructions for recipients of the CARES Act’s Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF). The OIG memorandum provides instructions for CRF recipients for record keeping and reporting. As stated in the CARES Act, Treasury’s OIG is responsible for monitoring and oversight of the CRF payments. Please note that the first quarterly report is due on July 17. For questions on the memorandum or for help with the reporting requirements please contact Treasury OIG at [email protected].

U.S. Department of the Treasury Issues Updated Coronavirus Relief Fund FAQ’s for States, Tribes, and Local Governments: On June 24, Treasury released an updated list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding the distribution and use of Coronavirus Relief Fund funds. Among other new guidance, the updated Q/A provides that States, Tribes, and localities can use Coronavirus Relief Fund dollars for the 25% FEMA cost share. The updated FAQ’s can be found here. More information on the Coronavirus Relief Fund can be found here.

• Note Treasury’s July 8 revisions regarding whether CRF payments can be used to cover increased administrative leave costs of public employees who could not telework in the event of a stay at home order or a case of COVID-19 in the workplace. Per the updated FAQ’s, “the statute requires that payments be used only to cover costs that were not accounted for in the budget most recently approved as of March 27, 2020. As stated in the Guidance, a cost meets this requirement if either (a) the cost cannot lawfully be funded using a line item, allotment, or allocation within that budget or (b) the cost is for a substantially different use from any expected use of funds in such a line item, allotment, or allocation. If the cost of an employee was allocated to administrative leave to a greater extent than was expected, the cost of such administrative leave may be covered using payments from the Fund.”

FEMA Releases Guidance on Federal Cost Share for Public Assistance Program: On July 2, the Federal Emergency Management Agency released clear guidance on how FEMA will treat the multiple sources of funding as they relate to the public assistance program and its cost share requirements. Generally, funding from other federal agencies cannot be used to meet the FEMA public assistance non-federal cost share requirement. For COVID-19, however, there are two exceptions: Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) dollars – mentioned above – and Department of House and Urban Development’s Community Disaster Block Grant (CDBG-CV).

Department of Education Launches New Student-Centered Grant Competition to Spur Short-Term Education Opportunities: U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced a new higher education discretionary grant program designed to provide students the opportunity to develop new skills, provide innovators and inventors the resources to expand existing businesses or build new ones, and encourage institutions of higher education to foster business development and innovation as America begins to recover from COVID-19-related disruptions to education and our economy. The CARES Act provided $307.5 million for discretionary grants, which the Secretary has chosen to divide between two competitions: $127.5 million for the Reimagine Workforce Preparation Grant and $180 million for the Rethink K-12 Education Models Grant.

Indian Health Service Announces National Expansion of the Community Health: The Indian Health Service is announcing the national expansion of the Community Health Aide Program. The program provides education and training of tribal community health providers to increase access to quality health care, health promotion and disease prevention services. As an expansion of the Alaska Community Health Aide Program, the national CHAP will be consistent with the Alaska model and will foster innovative service delivery for the IHS by augmenting the existing workforce with mid-level paraprofessionals, utilizing culturally competent providers, and providing workforce development opportunities for locally developed staff.

EPA Approves First Surface Disinfectant Products Tested on the SARS-CoV-2 Virus: Throughout the COVID-19 public health emergency, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has worked to provide the American public with information about how to safely and effectively kill the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, on surfaces. On July 6, EPA approved two products, Lysol Disinfectant Spray (EPA Reg No. 777-99) and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist (EPA Reg No. 777-127), based on laboratory testing that shows the products are effective against SARS-CoV-2. “EPA is committed to identifying new tools and providing accurate and up- to-date information to help the American public protect themselves and their families from the novel coronavirus,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “EPA's review of products tested against this virus marks an important milestone in President Trump’s all of government approach to fighting the spread of COVID-19."

HHS Launches ‘Surge’ COVID-19 Testing in Hotspot Jurisdictions in Florida, Louisiana and Texas: On July 7, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced free COVID-19 testing in Jacksonville, Florida; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Edinburg, Texas. Surge testing efforts will temporarily increase federal support to communities where there has been a recent and intense level of new cases and hospitalizations related to the ongoing outbreak. The three jurisdictions identified are seeing significant increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations and could potentially benefit from additional opportunities to identify new cases, especially for people who are asymptomatic.

HHS, DOD Collaborate with Novavax to Produce Millions of COVID-19 Investigational Doses in Commercial-Scale Manufacturing Demonstration Projects: On July 7, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Defense (DoD) yesterday jointly announced a $1.6 billion agreement with Novavax, Inc. of Gaithersburg, Maryland, to demonstrate commercial-scale manufacturing of the company’s COVID-19 investigational vaccine. By funding this manufacturing effort, the federal government will own the 100 million doses of investigational vaccine expected to result from the demonstration projects. This step builds toward the Trump Administration’s goal to begin delivering 300 million of doses of safe and effective vaccine to the American people in 2021.

HHS, DOD Collaborate with Regeneron on Large-Scale Manufacturing Demonstration Project of COVID-19 Investigational Therapeutic Treatment: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Defense announced an agreement with Regeneron, Inc. of Tarrytown, New York, to demonstrate commercial-scale manufacturing of the company’s COVID-19 investigational anti-viral antibody treatment, REGN-COV2. By funding this manufacturing effort, the federal government will own the doses expected to result from the demonstration project.

NIH launches Clinical Trials Network to Test COVID-19 and Other Prevention Tools: The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, has established a new clinical trials network that aims to enroll thousands of volunteers in large-scale clinical trials testing a variety of investigational vaccines and monoclonal antibodies intended to protect people from COVID-19. The COVPN is a functional unit of “Operation Warp Speed,” a partnership led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to invest in and coordinate the development, manufacturing and distribution of COVID-19 diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines. More here.

White House, VA Launch REACH, a Call to Action to Engage the Nation in Preventing Suicide: On July 7, the White House and Department of Veterans Affairs launched the REACH national public health campaign aimed at empowering all Americans to play a critical role in preventing suicide. The goal of REACH, which was established by the President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS), is to change the conversation around suicide by urging people to recognize their own risk and protective factors — as well as the risk and protective factors of their loved ones.

The White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs (WH IGA) will continue to share pertinent information as it becomes available. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our office if we can be of assistance. As a reminder, WH IGA is the primary liaison between the White House and the country’s State and local elected officials and Tribal Governments.

The White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs

William F. Crozer Special Assistant to the President/Deputy Director White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs @WilliamCrozer45

White House COVID-19 National Briefing Call Readout July 8, 2020

White House National Economic Council Larry Kudlow (Assistant to the President for Economic Policy) provided an economic and recovery update. Kudlow noted many areas of the country, like New York and New Jersey, have seen significant drops in their overall COVID-19 but noted case increases in certain States, including in Florida, Arizona, and Texas. He emphasized that the current data shows the economy is in a “V-shaped” recovery and projections point to strong GDP growth through the end of the year and into 2021. Kudlow did note that increasing cases in certain parts of the country could have an impact. He encouraged Americans to demonstrate “coronavirus courtesy” in practicing good practices, like and personal hygiene. See more from Larry Kudlow in an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” here.

White House Coronavirus Task Force Ambassador Birx discussed recent COVID-19 positive case surges noting that there is evidence of mitigation measures beginning to flatten the curve in Arizona and Florida. Ambassador Birx thanked the State, local, and Tribal leaders on the call and across the country for their on-the- ground work and leadership and stressed the importance of implementing and following appropriate mitigation measures. The Ambassador also highlighted her recent travel to Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas to meet with State, local, and Tribal leaders. Read more insight from Dr. Birx from the White House Coronavirus Task Force briefing on July 8 here.

Surgeon General noted the importance of partnerships at every level noting his motto is Better Health through Better Partnerships and emphasized that one of the most important antidotes to COVID-19 is individual behavior. He highlighted a public service announcement (PSA) he recently released – COVID Stops With Me – and encouraged everyone to share broadly. The Surgeon General walked through efforts the Administration has and continues to take to support COVID-19 response and recovery, particularly for disadvantaged communities. This includes:

• Supporting more than 600 community-based testing sites. 70% of those sites are located in socially vulnerable areas, as categorized by housing situations, race, ethnicity and language barriers. • Ensuring testing at 93 percent of America’s community health centers, which predominately serve low-income areas and communities of color. • Allocating ~ $15 billion to Medicaid providers and $10 billion to safety net hospitals, sources of care for our most vulnerable. • Requiring that all testing data reported by states include information on race, ethnicity, and ZIP code, so we can continue focusing our strategy on the hardest-hit communities. • Deregulating telemedicine, making on-going care for many medical conditions safe, accessible, and convenient for millions of patients and their healthcare professionals.

RADM Schwartz provided additional information on the Administration’s support of community- based testing sites for COVID-19. She noted that the Administration initially stood-up 41 federal sites in 12 states and has since moved to a public-private partnership model supporting over 600 locations in 48 states and the District of Columbia. Learn more here.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

• Secretary Wilkie provided an overview of the VA and its ongoing mission alongside COVID-19 response and support. The VA is the largest integrated health care system in the , providing care at 1,243 health care facilities, including 170 VA Medical Centers and 1,063 outpatient sites. The VA serves more than 9 million enrolled veterans. Secretary Wilkie highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted veterans in many ways – of the >9 million enrolled veterans the VA serves, some 21,000 have tested positive for COVID-19 (more than 16,000 have fully recovered to date). The VA has surged resources and staff to support ongoing recovery, including deploying nearly 700 staff members to community nursing homes and over 400 to State Veterans Homes (learn more about the VA’s ongoing COVID-19 support here). The VA has also drastically expanded the use of telehealth to support veteran care. Secretary Wilkie noted that the VA conducted approximately 900,000 tele-mental-health calls in the month of April alone (the VA typically conducts 40,000 tele-mental-health calls per month). A helpful COVID-19 fact sheet for veterans can be found here.

U.S. Department of Education On Tuesday, July 7, the White House hosted a half-day Summit on Safely Reopening America’s Schools focusing on reopening America’s schools in safe ways that respect the holistic health and learning needs of America’s students. The Summit included state and local leaders, health professionals, teachers, administrators, parents, and higher education institution leaders from across the Nation. In addition to the Summit, the Vice President led a discussion with the chief executives of approximately 50 States, territories, and the city of Washington, DC, and the White House Coronavirus Task Force to discuss best practices on safely reopening America’s schools.

• Full Summit (Here) • Remarks from Second Lady Pence (Here) • Remarks from White House Coronavirus Task Force Coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, and Health & Human Services Secretary (Here) • Panel Discussion – ABCs of Reopening Schools Safely (Here) • Panel Discussion – Implementing Safe School Reopenings (Here) • Roundtable with the President, First Lady, Vice President, & Second Lady (Here) • Transcript from the Roundtable with the President (Here)

School Reopening Guidance

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) COVID-19 Planning Considerations: Guidance for School Re-entry (Full Guidance Here)

Excerpt from guidance: “the AAP strongly advocates that all policy considerations for the coming school year should start with a goal of having students physically present in school. The importance of in-person learning is well-documented, and there is already evidence of the negative impacts on children because of school closures in the spring of 2020. Lengthy time away from school and associated interruption of supportive services often results in social isolation, making it difficult for schools to identify and address important learning deficits as well as child and adolescent physical or sexual abuse, substance use, depression, and suicidal ideation. This, in turn, places children and adolescents at considerable risk of morbidity and, in some cases, mortality. Beyond the educational impact and social impact of school closures, there has been substantial impact on food security and physical activity for children and families.”

CDC Guidance for Childcare, Schools, & Youth Programs (Full Guidance Here) The guidance includes information for schools, summer camps, youth sports, and childcare programs. Additionally, recorded stakeholder conference calls are available online along with resources for ongoing mitigation strategies and prevention and support.

• Interim Considerations for K-12 School Administrators for COVID-19 Testing (Full Guidance Here) • Considerations for K-12 Schools: Readiness and Planning Tool (Toolkit Here)

CDC Guidance for Colleges, Universities, and Higher Learning (Full Guidance Here) The guidance includes health consideration and tools along with information to plan, , and respond. Additionally, recorded stakeholder conference calls are available alone along with additional community resources, guidance for student travel, considerations for administrators, and much more.

• Interim Considerations for Institutions of Higher Education Administrators for COVID-19 Testing (Full Guidance Here)